2012 NBA Mock Draft: Hidden Gems Ready to Make Big Splash

The 2012 NBA draft is filled with immense talent, and there a few lesser-known players that are sure to be steals on draft day.

Every team picking late in the first round hopes to find gold there. The same can be said for every second-round pick.

Of course, that's easy, but there will be a few teams that hit the jackpot so to speak.

That being said, here's my latest 2012 NBA mock draft with info on each pick and a more in-depth look at the hidden gems ready to shine.

2012 NBA Mock Draft

1. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky

It's no secret Davis is the top prospect in the draft. What's more intriguing is the fact that the Bobcats might just be tanking games to ensure they land the No. 1 pick to get Davis. Charlotte has lost 14 games in a row entering Friday's contest with the Miami Heat.

Which Kentucky Player Will be the Biggest NBA Star?

Anthony DavisMichael Kidd-GilchristSubmit Votevote to see results

Which Kentucky Player Will be the Biggest NBA Star?

Anthony Davis

55.5%

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

44.5%

Total votes: 191

2. Washington Wizards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, SF, Kentucky

Kidd-Gilchrist put on quite a show this year. The freshman sensation has a high ceiling and he'll thrive with John Wall in Washington.

3. New Orleans Hornets: Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas

Once David West left, the Hornets had a huge hole down low. Robinson is a rebounding machine that will fill the void.

4. Sacramento Kings: Andre Drummond, C, UConn

It's a risky pick, but the Kings need another big man. Drummond has excellent potential, but he could easily bust. Adding him to the mix could get DeMarcus Cousins to play even better.

5. Toronto Raptors: Harrison Barnes, SF, North Carolina

The Raptors would love a center here, but Barnes is the best available, and passing on him would be a terrible decision since he would instantly make the team better.

Getting another big time scorer to work with Kyrie Irving would do wonders for the struggling Cavs.

7. Portland Trail Blazers (via NJ): Tyler Zeller, C, North Carolina

This is somewhat of a reach, but the Blazers need to upgrade at the center position, and Zeller is the best one available. He needs work, but he's a dominant rebounder who will give Portland some much-needed help.

8. Detroit Pistons: Jared Sullinger, PF, Ohio State

Detroit needs more size, and Sullinger will use his big frame to turn lots of heads in the NBA season next year.

The Grizzlies have long been fed up with OJ Mayo, and here they find his replacement. Waiters can get to the basket with ease, and Memphis will love that.

22. Orlando Magic: Fab Melo, C, Syracuse

It's really hard to trust anything Dwight Howard says. While this is a risky pick (Melo is boom or bust), the Magic have to draft a center this year as insurance for Howard.

23. Atlanta Hawks: Jeffery Taylor, SF, Vanderbilt

With the future of Josh Smith being rather uncertain in Atlanta, drafting his possible replacement would be a smart move by the Hawks. Then again, when it comes to the draft, Atlanta rarely does make the smart move.

24. Boston Celtics (via LAC): C.J. Leslie, SF, N.C. State

The Celtics add another great athlete here with Leslie. He's got the ability to score form anywhere on the court, and with several aging stars leading the way for Boston, it would be in the Celtics' best interest to draft Leslie to help take over the future.

25. Indiana Pacers: Festus Ezeli, C, Vanderbilt

Ezeli has superb potential. When it's all said and done, he could end up being one of the best players from this draft.

There's no question that he'll have to put in a lot of work, but the talent to thrive is certainly there. Ezeli's low post moves aren't stellar, but in time, he can grow into a powerful player down low.

Nicholson would serve as a solid backup to David Lee should the Warriors take him. He's similar to David West, and he's only going to continue to get better.

28. Miami Heat: Draymond Green, F, Michigan State

Green is a fantastic all-around player. He does whatever the team needs, and the Heat will love that. He doesn't have to be a star in Miami, but doing all the little things will help keep the Heat on top.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Royce White, F, Iowa State

Oklahoma City doesn't have a huge need at any position, so look for the Thunder to add the best depth possible. Getting another small forward for insurance to Kevin Durant would be smart.

30. Chicago Bulls: Marquis Teague, PG, Kentucky

Teague may end up getting drafted higher because he's a point guard. It's not a strong PG class this year, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see someone reach on him.

The Bulls have to be stacked at point guard behind Derrick Rose just in case he gets injured. Adding Teague to the mix will definitely make Chicago a stronger team overall.